On April 16, 2015, YWCA Hamilton hosted the 39th annual Women of Distinction Awards. Dr. Joanna Wilson of the Biology Department was awarded in the category of Sciences or Technology. Dr. Joanna Wilson’s talents in basic and applied research combined with an ability to lead diverse stakeholders (scientists, students, industry, government) has contributed to mitigating the effects of pharmaceutical contamination of our waterways. She is a valued member of the McMaster Department of Biology undergraduate curriculum team and a highly regarded student mentor. She is also a mother of two, who finds time to provide fun experiments for local kindergarten students to ignite their innate curiosity and inspire the next generation. Her ability to engage and excite 4-year olds, university students and industry officials about biology, is a unique skill that has contributed to her success and is one of many reasons why Dr. Wilson is a Woman of Distinction.